The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

American Wildlife Attitudes What do Americans really think about saving en­ dangered species, hunting and other issues that affect wildlife? The first report on a comprehensive study of American attitudes toward wildlife has revealed some interesting answers- including some that might be a surprise. The report analyzes initial findings of a three-year Study by Dr. Stephen Kellert of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Kellert conducted the study under a research grant from the Interior department's U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. According to service director Lynn A. Greenwalt, "the results of this study are significant because, without a doubt, people's opinions and behavior can influence the success or failure of conservation programs as much as any wildlife management technique. Wildlife managers hear often from some constituent groups, but there are large segments of the public about whom we know little. Dr. Kellert's study gives us a great deal of information that will help us work with the public in conserving our nation's wildlife." Greenwalt cautioned that the report will require careful study and analysis as more of th» information becomes available. "Wildlife management can never be a popularity con­ test," he said. "Nonetheless, the results will provide helpful insights, suggesting broad policy guidelines and directions and providing further understanding of the public's need for greater awareness and education." The study is based largely on an extensive question- naire administered nationally in interviews with 3,107 people during the fall of 1978. The questionnaire dealt with specific issues, such as the tuna-porpoise con­ troversy, as well as withi general issues such as at­ titudes toward hunting. The survey population was selected through random sampling techniques that provided a representative sample of the American public. Supplementary samples were also taken in the Rocky Mountain states and Alaska to make sure that information about these important regions was based on an adequate number of interviews. Surveys of this type and sample size have a theoretical margin of error of less than three percentage points in either direction 96 percent of the time. Kellert's first report concerns American at­ titudes, behavior, and knowledge about en­ dangered species; animal damage control; habitat preservation; consumptive uses of wildlife, such as hunting and trapping; wildlife management; use of backcountry and parks; and miscellaneous issues. Responses were analyzed according to the respon­ dent's age, occupation, place of residence, and other factors. On many questions, thef respondent's level of knowledge was considered in analyzing results. Among the study's fin­ dings: -Of eight selected wildlife issues, the public knew the most about "killing baby seals for fur" (43 percent knowledgeable) and "effects of pesticides such as DDT on birds" (42 percent knowledgeable). The least recognized issued was "use of steel shot versus lead shot by waterfowl hunters;; (14 percent knowledgeable). Only 34 percent indicated that they had some knowledge about the En­ dangered Species act, and only 17 percent were knowledgeable about the much publicized snail darter-Tellico Dam con­ troversy. -On a variety of questions, a majority favored protecting wildlife even at the expense of jobs, housing, and development projects. Fifty-five percent opposed the principle of building an industrial plant on a marsh needed by a rare bird species even if the plant would help solve an (unemployment problem. Fifty-seven percent disapproved of building houses on marshes used by ducks and other non- endangered wildlife. Seventy-six percent thought cutting trees for lumber and paper should be done in ways that help wildlife even if it resulted in higher lumber prices. -The public's support for endangered species protection when it would increase costs for an energy project depended on the animal involved and the nature of the project. Americans overwhelmingly supported protecting the bald eagle, eastern moun­ tain lion, American crocodile, and an en­ dangered butterfly. They opposed protecting an en­ dangered plant, snake or spider if it increased costs for an energy project. On a snail darter type question, most people opposed blocking a hypothetical water project designed for essential uses such as d r i n k i n g ' w a t e r , hydroelectric power, or irrigation to protect an • /' '• unknown fish species. But nearly 60 percent opposed construction of a dam for "nonessential" purposes such as making a recreational lake if it would endanger a fish. In general, support for protecting endangered species depended on such factors as the animal's at­ tractiveness, close biological relationship to humans, reason for endangerment, economic value, and im­ portance in American history and folklore. -In a surprising finding, 77 percent said they thought it would be all right to kill whales for a useful product if the species hunted was not endangered. But on another intelligent sea mammal, the porpoise, 69 percent said they would rather pay a higher price for tuna fish than see the tuna industry continue killing porpoises in their nets. The reserachers said the apparently con­ tradictory responses may be related to the tradition of whaling in the United States. -On the controversial issue of animal damage control, the public was not altogether opposed to con­ trolling coyotes that prey on livestock, but strongly preferred non-lethal control methods of hunting only individual coyotes known to have killed livestock. Most were strongly opposed to. poisoning, and were also opposed to shooting and The McHenry State Bank is Staffed By Capable, Conscientious people. ...Who are anxious and able to serve you. A good example of this is the New Account Department where you will find Judy Mazrin ready to assist you. Judy begar) working for the bank one year ago as a teller. At present she is at our Gerald J. Carey Building for the New Ac­ count Department and in­ stallment department. & There Are AAany Other Good Reasons Why You Should Open Your Account At The McHenry State Bank The McHenry State Bank: •Has been serving the community since 1906 •Has capital and reserve accounts of more than eight million dollars •Uses the money deposited to make loans to business and individuals to help the McHenry Area. •Provides the finest, most convenient banking facilities available. •Pays the Maximum Return on Savings Consistent with Maximum Safety. SERVI vBAN McHenry State Bank 3510 W. Elm Street and Crystal Lake Road at Lillian Street Richmond Road at Pearl Street-McHenry, Illinois PHONE 385-1040 ~ LEI trapping as many coyotes as possible. -Attitudes toward hunting depended on the purpose of the hunt. The public over­ whelmingly supported traditional native American subsistence hunting and also supported hunting ex­ clusively for meat, regar­ dless of who hunted. Sixty- four percent approved of hunting for recreation if the meat was used, but about 60 percent opposed hunting just for sport or recreation. Over 80 percent opposed hunting exclusively for a trophy. -Although some observers have linked anti-hunting sentiment with an anti- wildlife management at^ titude, results of the study did not support this. Sixty percent of members of humane organizations and 61 percent of those opposed to sport hunting supported government management programs to "control" populations of deer and ducks^ -When asked about possible sources of funding for wildlife management programs, the public in­ dicated stronger support for taxes on "consumptive" activities, such as buying fur, than on "non- consumptive" uses such as birdwatching. Eighty-two percent favored a sales tax on fur clothing from wild animals; 75 percent favored entrance fees to wildlife refuges and other public wildlife areas; and 71 per­ cent favored a sales tax on off-road vehicles. Fifty- seven percent favored in­ creasing the amount of general tax revenues for wildlife management; the same number favored sales taxes on backpacking and camping equipment; and 54 percent favored taxes on birdwatching supplies and equipment. -Most Americans wanted to preserve wildlife values on public lands. Two thirds- including 77 percent of Alaskans-were opposed to hypothetical oil dvelopment in Yellowstone National Park if it would harm the park's wildlife. Fifty-six percent thought national forest land should be set aside to protect grizzly bears even if it resulted in some loss of jobs and building materials. -Attitudes toward many issues varied considerably according to the respon­ dent's age, sex, educational level, place of residence, and other factors. For example, support for protecting en­ dangered species was strongest among the highly educated, people under 34, residents of areas with more than one million population, people with higer incomes, professionals, and residents of the Pacific Coast and Alaska. Older persons, those with less than an eighth grade education, farmer's rural residents, and southerners were more likely to oppose protecting endangered species. On the animal damage control issue, residents of the South- not the Rocky Mountain states, where predator damage is higher-expressed greatest support for shooting or trapping as many coyotes as possible. Residents of Pacific Coast states in­ dicated the most protec­ tionist sentiment. -Of all regions, Alaskans were the most knowledgeable about and supportive of wildlife. Their support was based on un­ derstanding of wildlife and ecology, rather than on emotional or sentimental notions about animals. As a group, Alaskans ranked third in level of knowledge, following only Ph.D.'s and those with other graduate education. They also ex­ pressed greater willingness to forego personal benefits such as recreation and jobs in order to preserve wildlife habitat and endangered species. This report is the first of four being prepared for the Fish and Wildlife Service by Dr. Kellert. Future reports will 'deal with charac­ teristics of wildlife users, anlaysis of socioeconomic difference in attitudes, trends in wildlife attitudes and uses over the last 75 years, and how children's attitudes toward wildlife are formed. The entire three- year study cost $450,000. Single copies of the report are available from the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Know{J J - I _ ' THi What are the three air masses which affect U.S. weather? The most important is the continental polar air mass, which comes out of Canada and can move down the Pacific coast, or more likely, into the Midwest and toward the Atlantic. This brings us our winter weather much of the time. The Maritime Tropical air mass comes either from the Pacific off Mexico or (more often) from the Gulf of Mexico. The latter affects weather in the eastern U.S. all year. The other air mass, which affects only the west coast, is the Pacific Polar, which causes the fog and rain so often seen on the west coast. WHAT S NEW Mold Protection An electric dehumidifying rod will help dry closets that are subject to moisture. Warm air protects against mold, mildew and rust. Placed near bottom of closet, rod warms air, which rises.. \ Safe Yule Possible „• A. Glass Christmas tree or­ naments definitely ait, not recommended for baby's diet this holiday season. Absurd statement? Of course. But not as absurd ajii you might think. A good many small tots will pop a shiny glass bulb or ornament into their mouths this Christmas season, as always. Christmas is a time of bright little lights on a tree in the parlor, of shiny glass or­ naments and decorations, of spun glass filaments, of toys that sometimes have sharp, rough edges, of lots of candy, nuts and other rich edibles. These all are a part of Christmas, and no one is suggesting there's anything^ wrong about it. But the' American Medical Associa­ tion once again points out that there are safety hazards at the Christmas season that aren't usually encountered the rest of the year. Check your old strings of tree lights and discard those that are worn or brittle. If there are very small children around discard burnt bulbs with caution, making certain baby can't retrieve them from a waste basket. Keep glass ornaments and filmy glass "angel hair" out of baby's reach. The orna­ ments crumble readily into sharp slivers. Select toys with a minimum of sharp, rough edges, toys that won't burn quickly if flicked through a candle flame, toys that are large enough so that baby can't swallow them. Electrical toys should be selected with safety in mind. Is the wiring intact and strong, or is it loose and flimsy? Air rifles, sling shots, archery sets and other missle throwing toys are obviously dangerous if carelessly used. Set up target ranges and make certain the youngster is taught to use the toy properly and safely. The list could be con­ tinued, but you can make your own. The prime objec­ tive of an article such as this one is to remind parents that in the bustle and excitement of Christmas accidents can happen. Certainly no one wants to spoil a holiday with undue worry about safety. Make your plans for a safe Christmas, then enjoy it to the hilt. Christmas Classics From McHenry County's Most Exciting Men's Store, STEVEN EDWARDS. •Dress Shirts by Arrow Brigade European Fit and Kent Gentleman's Fit regular or button downs sizes 14'/* -32, 18-35 36 lengths \5V*-\7Vi •Outerwear Leather Coats & Jackets Down Jackets & Vests All-weather & Wool Coats Gift Certificates Available I Leather Coats in longs & X-longs in sizes 38-60 by order •Suits ft Sportcoats Johnny Carson, Nino Cerruti, Garrison Park, Allyn St. George & Playboy 36 short-50 long, X-longs in 42-48 Featuring Name Brands you can Trust: Pendleton, Jantzen, Arrow, Jockey FASHONS FOR MEN CI 1 459-7666 Crystal Point Mall (next to K-Mart) Crystal Lake Open Weekdays 'til 10-Saturday 11 to 6 1